Recorded by Emmy award engineer Antonio Oliart and RIAA award engineer John Bono, designed and produced by SONiVOX engineers, the SONiVOX Symphonic String Collection is a set of the most comprehensive, beautiful and playable ensemble string sounds available. Rich, multidynamic instruments with resonant string decays intact and gigabytes of articulations to choose from. Designed for the utmost in expressiveness and realism; a joy to create with. Recorded at Sonic Temple Studios, Roslindale, MA.
Methods
Recording Notes
Recorded by 2001 Emmy award-winning engineer Antonio Oliart and RIAA award-winning engineer John Bono in Sonic Temple Studio's renowned acoustic space in Roslindale, MA.
The Musicians
Incomparable musicianship and world-class instruments from members of the Boston Pops and Boston Ballet Orchestras. Sections include 1st Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos & Basses. Grouped Ensemble instruments also included.
Sound Design Team
All programming was done exclusively in-house at SONiVOX studios. SONiVOX' team of five sound designers worked in close consort throughout all aspects of production to ensure a consistent sound throughout the entire project. Very limited processing was utilized in preserving the natural recorded sound.
Technical Specifications
24bit-48k recordings. B&K 4011 front microphones with Schoeps CMC-6Ug and Neumann U87 spot microphones were utilized to capture a rich balance of spatial and instrument detail. Recorded with Benchmark preamps and Troisi A/D converters direct to Tascam DA98HR digital multi-track.
GigaStudio Compatibility
With just under 13 Gigabytes of stereo-sample instruments, having a dedicated GigaStudio workstation is strongly recommended in order to push the Symphonic String Collection to its full potential.
Aesthetics
In keeping with our basic design philosophy, SONiVOX created an assemblage of instruments within each section and articulation that is comprehensive yet practical; providing the user with an abundance of options while avoiding unnecessary duplication and superfluous programming. You'll also find that they kept the instrument list identical between sections to ensure a uniform consistency that will reduce the time you spend managing this collection and greatly increase the time you spend enjoying it.
The Sound
Much care was taken in the recording process to deliver a refined sound both spatially and harmonically. Because of this, no additional EQ or panning enhancements should be necessary, of course the option is there. Reverb can be added as lightly or heavily as desired, or none at all.
Ensemble Instruments
In addition to the individual sections, they've also included writing patches that smoothly combine & crossfade all 5 string sections. Having all sections available on one keyboard is a convenient way to jot down musical ideas and do quick production work. A symphonic sketchpad for your musical ideas.
The Final Product
The goal, from the first days of pre-production to the last hours of careful polishing was to create a collection that would enable musicians and composers to evoke the true essence of an ensemble string orchestra, in all its complex shading and color, with unsurpassed clarity and ease. The opportunity to harness this vast potential now rests at your fingertips.
Articulations
Section Versatility
Each string section was recorded in its traditional position within the orchestra for a full stereo sound. User defined panning possible without stereo phase degradation. Programming allows for small or large section sound.
Dynamics and Phrasing
Up to 4 dynamic levels recorded for each articulation. Down and Up bows recorded for tone and phrasing variation. Very authentic. Very playable. Giga programmed for quick transitions between articulations.
Release Samples
Release samples included to preserve the natural string instrument resonance and subtle ambient decay of the room. These samples simply trigger when you lift the keys. The difference? Now you're playing instruments, not samples.*
Sections Included
1st Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses, all recorded in their natural positions within the orchestra.
Instrument Ranges
Full ranges recorded. Harmonic tones extend the ranges even further.
Legatos
Sustained tones for legato playing at all dynamic levels. 4 velocity levels, down & up bows, release samples.
Legatos Espressivo
Sustained tones with deep vibratos and expressive phrasing. 2 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Bowed Tremolo Ordinaire
Sustained tremolo tones. Soft velocities are dark and mysterious, loud velocities are bright and dramatic. 3 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Bowed Tremolo Sul Ponticello
Sustained tremolo tones bowed near the bridge for that classic sul ponticello sound. 3 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Bowed Half Step Trills
Sustained half step trills. 3 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Bowed Whole Step Trills
Sustained whole step trills. 3 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Con Sordino (Mutes)
Sustained tones with string mutes on. 3 velocity levels, down bows, release samples.
Staccato
Short staccato tones for accented, 4 velocity levels including sfz "frog", down & up bows.
Spiccato
Short spiccato tones for fast and light musical phrases. 2 velocity levels, down & up bows.
Pizzicato Tight
Ensemble Pizzicato tones played tightly together.
Pizzicato Loose
Ensemble pizzicato tones with natural slightly staggered attacks. 3 velocity levels.
Pizzicato Snap
The snap brings a velocity 4th layer to the ensemble pizzicato instruments.
Pizzicato Harmonics
Pizzicato harmonics, natural and artificial techniques, 1 velocity level. Cello and bass sections only.
Col Legno
Col legno tones played using the hair and wood of the bow. 2 velocity levels.
Bowed Harmonics Natural
Natural bowed harmonics. 1 velocity level, down bows, release samples.
Bowed Harmonics Artificial
Artificial harmonics, complete keyrange. 1 velocity level, down bows, release samples.
Sound Effects and Glissandi
A huge variety of sound effects covering common and not so common techniques including glissandi, harmonic glissandi, scratching, knocking, behind the bridge playing, random time effects, wide tremolos, tone clusters and more.
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